We Are Going!

Faith Development News Letter

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little. bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

- Desmond Tutu

Greetings Families,

Newsletters have been less frequent this year, but plenty is happening at First UU! Consider coming in tomorrow morning for the very fun, first ever, mid-winter mini retreat! Sign-ups are also open for the annual campout in June. (See listings below)

I will be on medical leave from February 12-March 16th, with Rowan Van Ness, our Director of Youth and Emerging Adult Ministries, doing her best to pick up the slack. Sunday morning programs for children will proceed, as usual, thanks to the fabulous work of our dedicated Faith Development guides and helpers!

One way you can help while we're short staffed is by being sure to extend a warm welcome to any new or new-to-you families you see on Sunday mornings!

Warmly,

Erika

Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries

Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

All ages are welcome.

Loneliness is an epidemic in this country, but it doesn't have to be at the UU Society! Come spend a morning in small group workshops, getting to know other people in the congregation. Join workshops ranging from multigenerational conversations to cooking, play games, make music, work on a jigsaw puzzle, and more! Popcorn and hot chocolate will be served, along with coffee and tea.

For more information and to pre-register, please see our registration form. Participants are also welcome to register upon arrival, but pre-registration helps us know how many people to expect. Come one, come all, and look forward to a fun morning at the Meeting House.

If you're hungry for more, you can register for the UU Weekend at Silver Bay coming up on October 11-13 and get to know UUs from several other congregations as well!

Annual Campout- Registration open!

Elmore State Park, June 14-16

For more than 20 years, members of First UU have gathered at this beautiful state park in mid-June to commune with nature and each other! This loosely planned weekend will include a Friday night potluck dinner, group campfires, sing-alongs, and an informal closing circle worship. Climbing the mountain and the fire tower are optional but inspiring activities!

There will be children; there will be youth, there will be adults, younger and older. If you like camping and UU fellowship, please consider joining us! (If sleeping in a tent is not on your to-do list, we welcome day trippers for the Friday potluck or Saturday beach and mountain fun!)

We may need to reserve more campsites, so please register now if you plan to stay overnight!

Follow this link for more information and to register!

High School YUUth group!

Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries

Yuuth are warmly invited to participate in the congregational Midwinter Retreat on Saturday, February 10. The next three Tuesday evening Yuuth Group meetings are February 20, March 12, and March 26, from 6-8 p.m., and we'll tentatively meet on Sunday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m., after the service. All high school youth are welcome! Please RSVP to rowan@uusociety.org. Save the date for the youth-led service on Sunday, May 19 in the Sanctuary!

Upcoming Sundays

February 11:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- Exploration Groups for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

11:15- K1 OWL Family Lunch

11:45- K1 OWL, Parents as Sexuality Educators Circle

February 18:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- Exploration Groups for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

11:15- K1 OWL Family Lunch

11:45- K1 OWL, Parents as Sexuality Educators Circle

February 25:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- All-ages Activities for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room - With moon cookie selfie station!

March 3:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin in Community Room for Family Chapel

10:15- All-ages Activities for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

March 10:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- Exploration Groups for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

11:15- K1 OWL Family Lunch

11:45- K1 OWL, OWL Parent/Sibling Project

March 17:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- Exploration Groups for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

11:15- K1 OWL Family Lunch

11:30- YUUth Group

11:45- K1 OWL, Parents as Sexuality Educators Circle

March 24:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together

10:15- Exploration Groups for children

11:10- Coffee Hour in Community Room

11:15- K1 OWL Family Lunch

11:45- K1 OWL, Parents as Sexuality Educators Circle

March 31:

10:00- Multigenerational Easter Worship

11:30- Egg Hunt

erika@uusociety.org, rowan@uusociety.org